New law, same lack of enforcement?

I’m pleased to read the new Wildlife Conservation Act will, in theory at least, be implemented next month. My concern is, will the law ever be enforced?

As an ardent supporter of wildlife protection, I have until now, been disgusted at the Malaysian government’s lackadaisical attitude to the illegal wildlife trade.

This is a good example of where the law on the statute book is perfectly adequate but law enforcement is completely inadequate.

By allowing the illegal wildlife trade to proliferate unchecked and zoos to incarcerate animals in disgusting cages, Malaysia’s reputation is now severely tarnished worldwide.

How much longer do we have to wait before we see those who trade in illegal wildlife and those who abuse animals in zoos arrested and prosecuted?

If the past is anything to go by, I remain deeply pessimistic but am prepared to judge the government on results, so let’s see what the next two months bring by way of confiscations and prosecutions.

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